Wrap Training

Mentor, Ohio, March 15, 2018 – Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions announced today the launch of a new workshop focused on how to successfully run a business in the vinyl wrap industry. The new Business Boot Camp classes were developed in collaboration with wrap industry pioneers Justin Pate, The Wrap Institute., and John Duever, Vinyl Images and Design. The Boot Camp is ideal for wrap installers who are interested in starting a business and wrap shop owners and team members looking for professional advice on how to improve efficiency and increase profits.

“At Avery Dennison, we are listening to our customers and developing the products and training they need to succeed,” said Bill Podojil, senior business director, Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions North America. “Wrap installers and wrap shop owners have told us they’d like to be more effective and efficient, while learning to upsell and enhance their marketing. Those topics and many more regarding day-to-day business operation are included in the new two-day Business Bootcamp.”

Pate and Duever will lead the classes with added expertise from guest speakers, including Dallas Fowler, Digital EFX, addressing wrap design and production, and Paul Roba, OEM relationship manager at Avery Dennison, teaching attendees about digital printing and lamination. Austin Smith, founder of the Paint Is Dead Network and president of #201WRAP, will speak about branding and marketing a wrap business as well as up-selling services.

The first Business Boot Camp for Wrap Professionals will be held May 18-19, 2018 at Car Wrap City in Dallas, Texas. A full course description and registration information are available at graphics.averydennison.com/bootcamp. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with the guest speakers and members of the Avery Dennison Graphics Team during a reception to be held in the evening on the first day of the class.

For more details on Avery Dennison graphics products and training, installers can visit graphics.averydennison.com or contact Avery Dennison at 800-282-8379.

3M Takes The Application Center On The Road With Its First Mobile Training Vehicle Graphics installers across the country can now get hands-on training close to home ST. PAUL, Minn. – (March 8, 2018) – Industry leader in innovation, 3M Commercial Solutions is thrilled to reveal the latest training center to increase expertise and precision across the graphics industry: the 3M Mobile Training Vehicle. This state-of-the-art Mobile Training Vehicle delivers hands-on installer training to central locations in towns across the country. It extends the current 3M training capabilities even further, making quality education more accessible. The goal is to help more installers develop the skills and the confidence they need to bolster their reputations and grow their businesses.

The training vehicle is a 40-foot mobile application center fully equipped to provide training on the application of graphics and architectural films. Participants can expect to learn up-to-date and relevant installation techniques, industry best practices and 3M specific solutions.

“With the 3M Mobile Training Vehicle, we want to provide a convenient, comprehensive and hands-on education that the students can use every day,” said Kimberly Tostrud, Product Marketer with 3M Commercial Solutions. “One of the greatest benefits of the 3M Mobile Training Vehicle is the hands-on experience trainees will receive, with 80 percent of instruction time dedicated to product application by the students. The opportunity to gain application experience under the guidance of authorized trainers, who are expert installers themselves, provides students with a unique experience that goes far beyond watching a demonstration, workshop or listening to a lecture.”

Reece Supply Company in Charlotte, N.C. was one of the first 3M Strategic Authorized Distributors to experience the 3M Mobile Training Vehicle this February. “We had great feedback from those who attended the training class, and it was clear their confidence grew after they received the hands-on instruction,” said Vic Lawrence, Operations Supervisor for Reece Supply Company. “The entire 3M team was very professional, knowledgeable and eager to help in any way. It reminded me of a racecar pit crew at times.”

“The 3M Mobile Training Vehicle is equipped with different application surfaces for students to work with, including partial vehicles for commercial applications, a variety of wall types, fleet panels, floors, windows for glass applications, a classroom and more. Trainees will have the opportunity to practice with 3M products such as 3M™ Print Wrap Films, 3M™ Wrap Film Series 1080, 3M™ Knifeless Tapes, 3M™ DI-NOC™ Finishes and
3M™ Fasara™ Glass Finishes,” said Beau Hommes, 3M Application Development Engineer. “The training also offers the attendees an opportunity to utilize industry relevant tools to make their installations more successful.”

3M Commercial Solutions helps customers worldwide build brands by providing total graphics and light management solutions. 3M manufactures or certifies lighting solutions‚ graphic films and graphic protection‚ flexible substrates‚ as well as inks and toners used to create finished graphics that are consistent‚ reliable and durable. To learn more about the 3M Mobile Training Vehicle, contact your 3M sales representative.

OK SO NOW THAT I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION WITH THESE PICTURES. Please take few minutes to read this article as it could prevent future damage or loss of life.

I was recently going through my phone looking for some pics of a job I did last summer. When all of a sudden, there it was, a burned up tool pouch, a destroyed ladder, a melted cooler and cart.

These items were a result of an installer who was not only careless, but could have cost the lives of 4 four men. While this may come across as pretty dramatic everyone needs to understand the seriousness of not following safety guidelines. This fire was caused by an installer who didn’t follow safety procedures and take the 15 seconds to remove a torch head from the tank. It is one of the most commonly used torches we have in our industry. The smaller ones with the trigger.

So here’s what happened. Our crew and I were leaving for a job at about 5:30 a.m. We loaded the back of a pick-up with all our tools, ladders, cart, 20 lb. propane tank and torch and 3 cases of water. We knew it was going to be hot that day so it’s important to keep everyone hydrated. They closed the cap on the bed and the four of us piled into the truck and headed out. Now with good traffic it takes about 1.5 hours to reach downtown. Somewhere between the time when we left the shop and we entered the parking area, the installer’s torch clicked on. The first thing to catch fire was the tool pouch which in turn caught the plastic cart on fire causing the melting plastic to drip onto the flooring of the truck bed. Meanwhile, everyone is in the cab and totally unaware of what is going on in the back.

When we arrived at the job site we got out and went to unload the truck, the first thing I hear is “Hey! I think there is a fire in the back.” Before I could say don’t open it, he threw the door open. This caused the fire to flare up. I yelled for our fire extinguisher. When I got to the back the fire almost put itself out. What had happened was the bottles of water melted and were putting out the flames. I grabbed a couple more bottles of water and put the fire out. I knew immediately what had happened because the torch was right there in front. When
I asked why procedures were not followed to disconnect the torch, the response was “I forgot.”

By now everyone has calmed down and we begin to see what is good and what is junk. As we come to the end of unloading it all, I reach to pull out the 20 lb. tank of propane. It was so hot I couldn’t touch it. I poured several more bottles of water on it to get it cooled down. It was then that I realized how lucky we were.

I cannot emphasize enough that common sense and safety procedures need to be in place. This could have ended in a much different way. People could have died. All because someone forgot and did not follow the rules. I encourage everyone to take a few minutes at the beginning of a work day to check for these simple but potentially dangerous possibilities.

Have your crews remove these torch heads. Tie down your equipment and graphics. Make sure they understand safety procedures. These few minutes could make a huge difference on how their day could turn out.

Re-posted with permission – Original article written by Steve Reininger in the March 2017 UASG Newsletter.

Anaheim – New website makes quick work of finding the right 3M Certified Graphics Installation Company
When America’s businesses require the services of professionally trained and certified vinyl installers, the new vendor search portal at www.uasg.org streamlines the process of identifying the right qualified, local installation company.
For businesses in need of vinyl graphics and architectural graphics, the re-developed website features an easy-to-use interface that makes finding a 3M Certified Graphics Installation Company a simple, worry-free task. Businesses who frequently require these services include Fortune 500, large enterprises, as well as smaller, Mom-and-Pop companies. Because only UASG members may be listed in the engine, this assures users that a vendor found on the website is also a genuine 3M Certified Graphics Installation Company, a membership requirement.
For vinyl installation providers, the all-new www.uasg.org enables potential customers to search by zip code as well as by keyword. This lets vinyl vendors introduce their premier installer services to purchasers with an active need who are in their business’ vicinity. Member companies now span the continental U.S. and include Alaska, Hawaii and Mexico.
With so many of today’s businesses specifying both the 3M vinyl product, as well as its expert installation and/or removal in their requirements and bids, inclusion on the site attests to a vendor’s credibility and demonstrated expertise. UASG reflects the industry’s benchmark standard for graphic installation excellence in fleet, full & partial wraps, interior & exterior environmental graphics including floor, rough textured walls, and virtually every other branding application one may envision.
According to UASG President Julie Martin, “The new website celebrates our critical role in connecting the skilled craftsmanship of our members with the businesses who depend on it. Our work is always about elevating the trade, and bringing more recognition to both the industry and its individual members.”
Additional site features include industry and organization news and events, as well as an informational overview of UASG’s history and mission. Members with access credentials may participate in a member forum and take advantage of special pricing in a members-only tools and resources area. Slated for the near future: a small selection of branded goods available for purchase, so that members can display their pride and wear it on the jobsite.

Set your calendars now for the 2nd annual WRAPSCON in Indianapolis, IN USA!

National Business Media, the proud producers of WRAPS and Sign & Digital Graphics magazines and THE NBM B.I.G. SHOW, presents the event for graphics installers: WRAPSCON June 2-4, 2016. With the huge potential for growth in the graphics market, especially vinyl wrap professionals serving the vehicle wrap advertising, commercial fleet graphics and other related graphics markets, WRAPSCON has quickly become the must attend event of the year.

We are bringing in the best graphics installers and the leading manufacturers and distributors in the business under one roof, with a national audience of installers, to share tips and tricks, install techniques, and the latest products to boost this rapidly growing market. Come see the latest in digital printing, vinyl technology, lamination, vehicle templates, wrap specific artwork and tools. If you have skin in the WRAPS game, then you NEED to be here!

Wrapping a bumper with automotive grade chrome requires special technique and precision. The video below will show you the best practices to successfully install chrome to a bumper with nearly undetectable seams.

Who doesn’t dream of doing a killer wrap training class with world renowned industry trainer Justin Pate? Whether you wrap occasionally or are a seasoned veteran you know that there is always something new to learn. …and now you can for less!

The Wrap Institute is an online streaming service that provides high quality videos on how to apply graphics featuring master installer Justin Pate. Annual memberships give users unlimited access to over 530 videos that cover topics from boats, walls, windows, cars, vans, vinyl lettering and much more. Each month 20-30 new videos are added along with new features like free pdf downloads for pre-inspection and quality control. All content is neutral which means all techniques shown apply to any type of film or manufacturer. Never Stop Learning!

Sign-Up now and use our exclusive Coupon Code for your 25% discount – TWWRAPPERMAPPER – in the sign-up form. Head over to The Wrap Institute now.

If you were lucky enough to attend SEMA this year in Las Vegas hopefully you had a chance to hit the Mutoh booth. Mutoh played host to the Speed Wrapping competition where some of the world’s fastest wrappers attempted to fully wrap an Audi A8 in the shortest official time.

The elements of the ever ticking time clock, the pressure of an entranced audience and the ongoing commentary of wrap industry icons Frank Fellers and Justin Pate combined for a dramatic display. The chemistry between Justin and Frank was undeniable as they explained the wrap process, pointed out details in the application, discussed film properties and even engaged in a little good natured ribbing. All in all, an effective and informative strategy that was helpful to the attendees.

Ultimately, the fastest time of 22minutes 50.83 seconds went to the team of installers representing Carbon Wraps, Gator Wraps, LE Wraps and Miller Decals. Their efforts were incredible to watch and earned them a nice prize from Fellers for breaking the SEMA Show record.

If you stuck around a little longer you were treated to a last minute wager between Frank and Justin on just how fast the Audi could be stripped. Frank figured 5 minutes and Justin called for 35 seconds… Final strip time was 53.12 seconds. Scorching fast and fun to watch.

National Business Media announces WRAPSCON… an event being put on by wrappers for wrappers.

WRAPSCON will be held June 3-6, 2015, in conjunction with THE NBM B.I.G. SHOW in Indianapolis. NBM, producers of WRAPS and Sign & Digital Graphics magazines, will be bringing the leading manufacturers and distributors of the wraps world into this singular event, with the focus being on helping installers and those considering entry into this fast-growing market boost their knowledge and increase their business.

“Since its inception, there have been a ton of graphics and signage professionals that have gotten into the vehicle wrapping and graphics installation business,” says James “Ruggs” Kochevar, publisher of WRAPS and SDG magazines. The growing popularity of WRAPS, along with the national audience that THE NBM B.I.G. SHOW attracts, made WRAPSCON a natural opportunity to serve this important and burgeoning industry.

“Only a small percentage of all vehicles in the United States are wrapped, which tells you the potential for growth not just in the personalization market but also the mobile advertising market, not to mention the growth of color-change films.” Kochevar says. “(With WRAPSCON), we’re the only ones that are putting that type of singular spotlight on the graphics installation market. What we want to do is put the focus on the installers so it’s purposeful, it’s meaningful.”

Sign & Digital Graphics has had a section of its monthly magazine devoted strictly to the wraps industry for more than five years, according to its executive editor, Ken Mergentime. The annual publication of WRAPS magazine is in its third year, he says.

“We could see that this was a growing niche,” said Mergentime. “There was a lot of demand for more coverage so we gave it to them.”

Many of the wraps industry’s stars, who write for SDG and WRAPS, will be on hand in Indianapolis, including Justin Pate, Matt Richart, Dallas Fowler, Troy Downey, Steve Carney, Luis Tirado and others. Attendees will also be able to get insider tips from companies such as 3M, Mutoh, Mimaki, Roland,Orafoland The Wrap Institute, Kochevar says.

THE NBM B.I.G. SHOW actually begins on June 4 but WRAPSCON classes will start on June 3 and continue throughout the week, he says.